Great Message To Check out at least Once a Day - Follow Up

This past week I've listened to the on-time message by Dr. Charles Stanley in regards to dealing with procrastination. I'm not going to lie, this has hindered me in so many ways. I love to write but have been to afraid and lazy in that regard. This past year has been really an rollercoaster ride for me in my personal life and I'm realizing I'm not getting any younger so it's time for me to shoot for my dreams because one thing I have realized with this economy, with how The Right has no empathy nor sympathy for the working class it's time for me to get my butt in gear.

I wrote down notes that may help you (I wrote this in the first person so it can jump out at me and I will read this for myself every day) as well as listen to the message every day. One thing I've realized is that in order for change to come you have to listen, read, and put into action every day. I've also come to realize that just because I don't get it the "first time" it doesn't mean I'm stupid, that I'm slow. I remember hearing Zig Ziglar say when listening to messages, great audio books you have to listen to it consistently and this is what I'm going to do and I want my Twitter/Facebook peeps to hold me accountable.

Hope these little notes help you and I will let you know how I'm progressing and how the process is going in my life.

Be Blessed,

DarrenKeith3

My Notes for Dr. Charles Stanley's "Putting off Procrastination" 

-Putting Off Procrastination



Acts 24:24-27

"24But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

 25But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you."

 26At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.

 27But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned."
[biblegateway.com...http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%2024&version=NASB...NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE]

Another Verse by Paul to Study

Acts 26:20
"but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judea, and even to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance."[biblegateway.com...http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Act%2026:20&version=NASB...NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE]

Paul was discussing three things with Felix in order for him to become saved, Righteousness, Self-Control, and the judgment to come(by God)

*Procrastination is a form of bondage.*

-Consequences of Procrastination-

• Many important tasks undone
• Many relationships left hanging
• Many crucial decisions hanging
• Frustrations we cause myself and others
• I foul up schedules

1) Sometimes God only sends opportunities one time but because of fear of change and challenges

2) When I procrastinate I disobey God
     -I deprives God of the vessels through whom he wish to accomplish certain task.
      (I hinder God's whole plan)
     -I become a stumbling block to people when I procrastinate.

3) There is a sense of guilt{I increase my own stress level}

Why Do I put these decisions off, why I procrastinate...
-Self doubt
-Discomfort dodging
-I don't want to face myself
-Look at ourselves
-Admit that I feel inadequate

When I do this(procrastinate) my spiritual growth winds down and then I wonder why my Father doesn't use me and why I don't have the joy, peace in my life. How come God is not doing something fantastic in my life

No matter what I tell God, procrastination is an act of disobedience, rebellion against Him.

I'm I willing to deal with myself

I don't have to worry about being adequate because when I allow Christ Jesus to live within me he makes me adequate...everyone is inadequate.

How Do I Deal With This {Procrastination}

-I most admit I have a problem with procrastination
-I need to identify my area of procrastination
-Identify the feelings that go along with it when I procrastinate

-I put it in the spiritual realm...

"Lord, I confess to you that I have a problem with procrastination in this area of ___________, I choose by faith to repent of this form of bondage, spiritual bondage in my life that's keeping from being the type of person you want me to be, fulfilling your goals and your purposes and your plans, living by your schedule, living in your will, walking in your spirit"

I'm not going to walk in the spirit of God, fulfill the will of God, the purpose of God, the plan of God as a procrastinator. There needs to be genuine repentance in regards to procrastination in my life.

I make a commitment to deal with that area of procrastination in my life right then and there.

What step do I go from there to get the victory of procrastination in my life?

1) I recall who I am as a child of God.
-Christ Jesus is living on the inside of me
-The Holy Spirit is living is within me
-The power of the spirit of God is within me

2) Reaffirm who God says who He in me.
-He's my Savior
-He's my Lord


This has a lot to do and part of the answer to the part of inadequacy, that I may be able to do this right, it answers who I am and who I have within me, the Holy Spirit, and has chosen to live within and He has made me adequate to handle in challenge, circumstance that comes into my life.

My feelings is no longer going to dominate my life. What's going to dominate my life is the truth of what God says who He is in me.

Think about when I first gave my life to Christ Jesus. I put aside my feelings and began walking in faith in regards to my eternal soul being saved for eternity. ---> read the book of Colossians

If I begin living by faith, my life of procrastination is over with but if I continue to live by my feelings I'm going to continue to be a procrastinator.

It all boils down to this...Do I believe who my Father says who I am or will I continue to believe the Devil in regards to who I am?

I need to put my focus on the living Christ instead of my feelings...period. Think about it, 

• When I feel inadequate...has to do with my feelings
• Discomfort dodging...has to do with my feelings
• Fear of failing...has to do with my feelings
• Fear of rejection...has to do with my feelings
• Self doubt...has to do with my feelings

 **My prayer and commitment in regards to procrastination**...

"Lord Jesus, from this moment on, I chose to respond to challenges of my life by FAITH, based on who you are in me, Who I am in YOU, and I am absolutely adequate to face anything that life throws at me because the same Apostle Paul who said, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' I have the same, living, supernatural Holy Spirit abiding within me, free within me, liberated within me that the Apostle Paul had and therefore I know that I can do this, I can get it done on time and I choose to do it, I choose to lay down my feelings, I choose to put off procrastination, I choose to walk by faith"

I have to begin believing the truth about what God can do through me and stop believing the lie of my feelings.

I must identify the feelings in regards to my challenge when I faced with this issue say this,

"Lord Jesus, I choose to live by faith, I choose to operate on the basis on what you say and who say I am and who you are in me and I thank you and I attack this problem."

Great Message To Check out at least Once a Day

This past year has been a times of serious ups and downs when it comes to employment. Right now I don't have a permanent job but this has given me a chance to deal with two problems that has hindered me throughout my life: fear and procrastination. This past week I heard a message from Dr. Charles Stanley that hit me like a ton of bricks.

The message, "Putting off Procrastination" is a message not only dealing with procrastination but the cost of it when it continues in your life. This is a message I need to hear over and over. Zig Ziglar says in order for something to really take hold in your life you need to listen to it over and over (21 days consecutive). By me listening to this and taken hold of this message I'm realizing that I in order to move forward and get the best out of life I have to get over this fear of failing.

Listen to the message here or you can download it via iTunes

Putting Off Procrastination

My Thoughts for Today {08October2010}

Today's Devotional: Called to Warfare
Today's Passage: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

When reading this devotional the first thing I think about is the character from USA Network "Burn Notice" Michael Westin when he says, "When you're a spy you fight, you don't fight fair, you fight to win". I'm getting in my spirit again that this is how you have to fight Satan every single day. Alone I can never win against the Devil but when reading, praying and OBEYING God's word I have the victory each and every time.

My Thoughts for Today{08 October 2010}

Today's Devotional: Looking for Fruit
Today's Passage: Galatians 5:16-26

Reading this devotional for this Friday brings tears to my eyes because of how faw I have strayed from my Lord and Savior. This past year and a half I haven't been in His word like I should have, allowed issues from my past job become a worldly man in regards to my language and negativity. I haven't been to church God knows how long and instead of looking upward and being obedient I have been relying on my own wisdom. But as I read the devotional and the passage I began to smile because of His love for me. He has never left me and once you truly know Chirst Jesus you know there is no other way to live.

Dealing With Anger - Great Series from Dr. Stanley

If you have followed me for a minute you know I follow Dr. Charles Stanley. His messages are so crystal clear when it comes to God's word. Even before I was saved whenever his program came On I would stop in my tracks and listen to him.

From now until this series is over I will post links for you to download his latest series on anger. A great series I need in my life and I think many may want this to download and listen to and put in your spirit in dealing with this one emotion in this day and time.

Have a great Thursday.

Messages by Dr. Charles Stanley
-Are You Angry [ http://drop.io/areyouangry2174 ]
-The Consequences of Anger [ http://drop.io/theconsequencesofanger ]
-How to Handle Anger - Part 1 [ http://drop.io/howtohandleanger01 ]
-How to Handle Anger - Part 2 [ http://drop.io/howtohandleanger02 ]
-Anger and Forgiveness - Part 1 [ http://drop.io/angerandforgiveness ]
-Anger and Forgiveness - Part 2 [ http://drop.io/angerandforgiveness02 ]

password: intouch

My Thoughts for Today {October 7, 2010}

Today's Devotion: Hold My Hand
Today's Passage: Deuteronomy 31:1-8

With so much going on in the world today with the economy, the negativity toward our president, congress, just toward one another you would think there is no hope. Heck, sometimes I feel this way when watching the news but then I have to remember two things: One, I have the choice of what to watch and second: I'm putting my focus and trust in the wrong thing.

It's okay to keep in touch with what's going on in the world but I've come to realize that we 24/7 news which means that sometimes we don't let things develop fully and we as people sometimes jump the gun and have to take things into our own hands. We sometimes hear one situation and think this is the "end all/be all" but that is so not true. What I'm trying to get back to is the fact that nothing and I do mean nothing surprises my God. With everything that is going on today I have to remember to keep my focus on Him and Him alone.

God has given me common sense on what to do, how to handle situations, how to deal with people that mean me no good but again I have to remember to stay the course. I have to remember the more I bring my issues to Him, the more I realize the world and people are going to always have obstacles but when I fill myself with His promises and put them into actions the results are going to same: me being victorious. Sometimes I may not believe that when first pushing ahead but then I think about how many times I've allowed the world to dictate to me my outcome knowing that the world is fickle and will always be fickle.

For me, beginning my day with His words in my heart, spending quality time with God, being obedient to His commandments and surrounding myself with things that bring me joy and wisdom has always been the best way to go in regards to dealing with this world. Yes, God will not only hold my hand but he has my back each and every time, even when it doesn't feel like it.

Wisdom for Today: Proverbs Chapter 7
Message for Today: "The Man after God's Heart" from pastor Greg Laurie
Photo by Chris Gin from InterfaceLIFT

Monday's Message from Dr. Charles Stanley

After my previous job this is a "must have" message I need in my life right now. As always, Dr. Charles Stanley message is a timely message in the day and time.

To listen: head over to In Touch Ministries | To download message iTunes or here

Anti-social behavior: The Facebook exodus from PBS "Need to Know"

Great video from the PBS program, "need to know" in regards to the addiction of Facebook, how difficult it is when quitting the online site and 3 guys from Rotterdam the has a sure way of quitting Facebook, so much that Facebook has sent them two letters to shut down their site or face the consequences.

Watch the full episode. See more Need To Know.

Until I get the new Twitter...

Since Twitter is taken their sweet time given me the new version I stumbled on a cool little extension for Firefox and Chrome called "Power Twitter" by Narendra Rocherolle, Nick Wilder.

I take it it's been around for a minute (November of 2009, where the H-E-Double Hockey Sticks HAVE I BEEN?!?) but whats cool about it is that it gives you two important tools you need right at your fingertips: posting a photo and shorten your links. I don't know if I will use the "Update Mood" (what would have been cool if it added the "smileys" to the tweets...hey, I like eye-candy).

At the lower right bottom of the page is where you choose your setting in regards to which app you wish to use in regards to where you wish your pictures to post. Not bad.

Until I finally get to play around with the new Twitter this will have to do and I don't mean using Power Twitter is a bad thing because you keep your same twitter but with a boost.

Firefox Power Twitter extension link Google Chrome Power Twitter extension link

Looking at Not Just the "Polaroid" Shot

I'm learning two things about when I want to blog on a news topic. First: wait until the incident plays itself out and second: look at the whole scenario and not just an "Polaroid" snapshot of what's going down.

Yesterday the pastor in Florida decided not to burn the Koran on September 11 in regards to a meeting that "may" or "may not" have happened in regards to relocating the Mosque that will be built new "Ground Zero" Rachel Maddow every other word about the pastor was "wacko", "crackpot", "crazy". As I heard these words I began looking at how conservatives and liberals mark one another when it comes their causes.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I understand Rachel's view...to a point. Yes, I clearly understand what she was saying that the pastor would not have received as much air time if the so-called "sane" congressman and congresswomen on the Right would not have fanned the flame. She hit the nail on the head when you have people from Newt Gingrich to Sarah Palin constantly saying, "We're at war with Islam" and not pin-pointing "The terrorist and fanatic Muslim groups". But this has always been the way of the Right. Always painting a broad brush when it comes to people of a different culture or different race. In the Republicans mind Blacks are criminals, Hispanics are all illegal immigrants, and people from the Middle East are terrorists and all the while many of them on The Right use them for cheap labor (lets not forget Asians and people of India and how Corporate America exploits them to no end.)

To me, this is why we from different races can't get along because when you constantly hear how Blacks are a bunch of lazy/good for nothing/always looking for a hand out/gun-toting thugs day in and day out, heck if I saw this image and hear this rhetoric over and over again I would be nervous too if I were of a different race. As of right now The Right Party has painted President Obama as a person who is 'trying to get back at the "White Man" and that he hates "White People" (It just hit me that Glenn Beck is the White Kanye West...but without talent).What about the fact that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama did it the right way: getting good grades, working with the under privilege, both set of parents taught them how to get ahead by 'working" and not looking for a hand out, about treating people the way you wish to be treated. And how about the fact that Obama's grandparents and that his mother was White?

The Right is like a magician with making you not focus on what other cultures bring to the table on in a good way but focus on one bad incident and blow it up to the the 10th power. At first I was going to say the Republicans are "cheap magicians" but they are not because if that was the case people in the U.S. would treat people the way they would want to be treated but instead they pass judgment first then ask questions later.

Then I look at the pastor's point of view. Me being a follower of Christ I was watching the local news and how a Muslim leader could not believe how he could burn a "sacred book". For me being a Christian, we see how Muslims burn the American Flags, how they kill people for practicing Christianity (Americans and they fellow Middle-Eastern town-folk) and by me being Black I encounter people people from the Middle-East and how they look at us as if we are scum of the earth day and day out. I encounter how people from India get the disgusting look at me and my wife when we shop at well known stores and when we drive nice cars are live in nice neighborhoods. They get this look like, "what are YOU people doing in these parts!?!"

What the heck!?!

We as Blacks fought in every major war in these country, OUR country, the United States. We helped build this nation even years and years of not being able to vote or constantly being intimidated by the country we are born in, grew up in and would die for because although the Right Wing establishment paints Blacks as "Takers" we have been "Givers" to this United States of America for centuries. Again, people from the Middle-East wish to be judge by their character but at the same time do not practice this when it comes to my people. I will never forget living in Florida where I was at convenient store and as I was about to hand the young lady the money she tapped the counter to put the money there. I politely walked out of that store never to return.

Funny how people from the Middle-East come to America and try and dictate their ways upon this country but do not try and compromise and try to open up a line of understanding. Funny how they open businesses in the poor areas in Black neighborhoods and yet think they can treat or talk to Blacks as if they are dirt and not realizing that The Right Party looks at them the same way they look at Blacks.

As I get older I realize that when you take the time to listen and try and get to know a person many have great things to bring to the table. Some people are extreme and you have to deal with them with a ten-foot pole but many want the same thing: a decent wage, a safe, nice environment to live. Some may think the pastor may be "nuts" but as for me being a Christian and Black I can relate to both sides of to this situation that has unfolded.

Great Message from Dr. Charles Stanley

Gossip has been around since the beginning of time but that doesn't mean you have to participate in it. Dr. Charles Stanley gives many good reason not to indulge in gossip. Once again Dr. Stanley breaks it down so anyone can see the harm of gossip in your and other people's lives.

"The Words of Our Mouth "

What Today's Devotions Help Me See

Today's Devotion: Freedom
Today's Bible Reading: Romans 13:1-10

This devotion hits home with me because I feel the same way when it comes to driving. My queen teases me for driving the speed limit but in the end she thanks me because she doesn't have to worry about unnecessary drama like getting a ticket or hitting the brakes because I see a highway trooper and like Mr. Lamborn's wife has to remind him from time to time, "It's the law."

It is liberating and not a "hinder" when you do the right thing. It's a simple to remember; not easy to live by but the alternative is much worse in the end. That is how I view the Bible in two ways in regards a sense of freedom because even if people wrong you in the end you are the winner because it is you who took the high road and knowing that once you leave this earth you be in presence of God.

Again, I'm not going to lie it is so hard to not be effected when it comes to living right now because with the climate of corporations wanting to pay workers barely a living wage, people living their lives in a immoral way, racial tensions at a all time high, news organization reporting news before getting the facts in order. You can find yourself wanting to reach out and begin living that way but what I have found out is that in the end that way of living turns to ashes. It may not happen at that moment but it will happen and what I have learned the longer you live that way the longer it takes to rebuild your life and rebuild trust and respect from people.

For me the way of the world is going it's pushing me back to my Maker because the more I watch television (which is less and less) the more I getting back to the basics of reading books, rediscovering how much I love God, the price He paid by sending His son to die for my sins. For many people, the older you become the more you see how wonderful life is and you don't have time to waste it.

I wish more people could see the freedom in doing it God's way but as always it's best to lead by example and not just our speech.

What Today's Devotions Help Me See

Today's Devotion: Now Is Not Forever
Today's Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-5

"The confidence we have as Christians is that God has something good planned for us. Suffering was not part of His original act of creation, but it serves as a temporary reminder of what happens in a world where God’s order has been broken."

~ from Now Is Not Forever {Our Daily Bread 10August2010}

To be honest I can't add anything to that but I will try. Many times we think God is trying to keep us from having fun. In today's world many people want God out of their lives because they feel it's an intrusion and Satan blinds people time and time again that most pleasures of this world is the best way to live but in the end that happiness is only temporary. This is what happened to Eve in the garden.

The serpent made Eve focus on a tiny part of the Garden of Eden instead of her keeping her eye on the Creator and if she would have done this she would have see all that God had blessed her and her mate with. Eve and her husband Adam would have to work but it wouldn't be as hard as today. She would have had pain in regards to child bearing but not that much pain.

Instead she allowed herself to take her eyes off of her blessings and focus on a moment of happiness which in the end cost her dearly in the end in regards to true happiness and joy. Lately many people around me is reminding me little by little how important life is when less and less unnecessary drama is allowed in my life.

There will be heartache from time to time in my life but many times small things like turning off the news, not watching the latest gossip show and opening an informative book or relaxing to some good music or just sometimes just being still for 15-30 minutes and listening to God and focusing on Him my day will go much better.

This past weekend my best friend said something to me which helped me greatly in dealing with my job,

"Focus on each day and what that work day is paying and allowing you to enjoy."

That's pretty cool advise and reading this devotion ties into that...

"Think about how good it will feel when it stops hurting."

In today's world where people think they are entitled to talk to people harshly not think about the other person's feelings. but we (especially myself) have to keep in mind this is not something we have to endure 24/7 and when we begin focusing on the wonders that God has blessed you and with it makes the day more bearable.

Great devotional for today for my spirit.

Finding My Way Back (A Work in Progress)

I have gotten away from writing on my main blog, Theology and Technology it's not funny. I've gotten away from reading God's word it's shameful. I haven't been to church in so long and now I'm seeing the result of it in my life. This is not a good thing. I'm finding myself feeling that opening the Bible I would be a hypocrite and I know that's a lie straight from Hell because once you give your life to Christ you never lose your salvation. I find myself letting my job get the best of me, I've lost my way of finding out what God wants for my life. I feel like I've done every type of job and now I'm at the end of not being what I should be. But again, that's a lie from Satan.

I know God wants me to turn back to His word, because He wants the best for me but it's up to me to make that move, make that first step. I need to begin putting things back in priority. I started early this morning making a schedule to listen/reading the word of God. I have the entire Bible on CDs. It's 66 books in the Bible and it's 52 weeks in a year so I will make it a habit listening to one CD a week of the word of God. I say this because it's good to listen to something over and over because that is how it gets in your heart, your soul, your mind. We watch some television programs over and over, movies over and over, music for sure we listen to the same track over and over so why not God's word?

Funny thing happened to me early this morning...very early this morning. I woke up about 3am so I got up, took me a shower, grabbed my ipod and listen to the first 19 chapters of Genesis. Funny how I tried to get sleepy listening to something that will enhance my life and as soon as I finished listening to Disc 1 of the Holy Bible (NIV) I couldn't get back to sleep for an hour. When it comes to reading books, or something that will help you in life we get sleepy our mind tries to wander, we try and get sleepy and something I found out, WE have control that. So again after work I will listen/read the first 19 Chapters of Genesis but it's something I have to do if I want my life to improve. And not only do I need to read it but get back to obeying His word.

It's amazing what God covers in just the first chapters of Genesis in regards marriage, quantity of marriage, what we can eat, capital punishment. The Bible is a wonderful guide for life and I'm sorry I allowed myself to drift away from it.

But again, as a friend used to say to me all the time, "I'm a work in progress, Darren." I'm that way too and I'm glad God loves me "just because". He knows my faults but it doesn't mean I have the right to stay in that condition I will force myself to move away from that day by day.

On to a better life.

Wisdom For Me and To Share for 29 April 2010

Today's Devotion: Our Demanding Schedules
Today's Passage: Mark 1:32-39

Today this devotion and passage tells me one thing and one thing alone...begin my day with my Savior each and every day and go to bed with His word in my heart in my head. It's funny how I go to bed each night watching late night television and not really putting the most important thing in my head and spirit because God gives me life each day and gives me wisdom to deal with the problems every hour of the day.

My Prayer:
Lord, help me realize that today is not a hectic day when I put you first.

Proverbs that stuck out to me today in Chapter 29...

Proverbs 29: 1

Proverbs 29:3

 Proverbs 29:7

Proverbs 29:11

Proverbs 29:15

Proverbs 29:20

Proverbs 29:24

Two On-Time Messages from Dr. Charles Stanley

Two great messages from Dr. Charles Stanley in regards to not only finding lasting friendships but how to deal with lonliness God's way. You hear me say this time and time again, Dr. Stanley has a way of bringing God's word to you in a practical way that makes you stop and listen.

Building Wise Friendships - Part 1 and Part 2

Bring Back The Original PDA(you know, paper and pad)

  I truly dig technology and I mean I really ENJOY technology when it comes to gadgets, computers. It's been in my blood since my grandmother passed that down to me and I thank her for that. But I think...no, I know technology has made many of us really lazy when it comes to remembering very important information.

It used to be a time when calling to make reservations we would have information written down like the zip code, the address, the time of arrival and return from our destination. Now with computers, PDAs which has transcended to smartphones we have lost the use of plain common sense. We have given our brains a vacation for life when it comes to making arrangements. Don't get me wrong, we (customer service) are here to help you but you have to help yourself a little in order to make the transition smooth. People now act as if they are new born babies when it comes to making arrangements for trips.

What's more disturbing is some of the calls I get when it comes to looking up reservations. People are too lazy to first copy the information from their phone when it comes to looking up key information and then many get an attitude if we can't find the reservation in an nano second. We have lost the will to be considerate with one another in the post-technology era. We have forgotten the concept of "placing ourselves in the other person's shoes".

I have come to the fact that I'm keeping my gadgets but at the same time I'm going to begin carrying me an "paper" organizer again. To be honest it's a must because in my mind if I'm calling to get arrangements for a trip or confirmation on a reservation and if I don't have the key information at hand, it makes ME look bad and not the other way around but again we now live in the age of people are not considerate of one another.

In the world of planning events now, people now think company rules and policies do not apply to them. They feel that once you explain the process and just because their plans were changed of if they don't have the proper way of paying for an reservation we're the bad guys. Now I'm not going to say all in customer service are the best because again me being on the other side I've had my issues as well when it come to customer service (that's another post).

With technology we can store more but with technology it has made people very impatient and we people want information in real time but word of advise to customers...in order to receive information fast from humans you have to give correct information in real time.

In Touch Ministries Messages on The Ten Commandments

Once again Dr. Charles Stanley breaks God's word down to common sense to where there is NO excuse but to pay attention and to realize the love for God for you life.

The Ten Commandments Part 1 message and Part 2 message

Monday Devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley

Daily Devotional from In Touch Magazine

The Heart of the Cross

READ | 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Consider how illogical Jesus’ crucifixion looked to first-century observers. The Romans, who were concerned with power, probably wondered how a mighty God could allow enemies to kill Him. The Greeks valued wisdom and no doubt thought, There must surely have been a better way than the cross! And the Jews, who longed for victory over oppressors, probably felt bewildered to see Jesus humbly let Himself be brutally killed.

Yet, what seemed foolish was actually a brilliant plan. Through the cross, the Lord powerfully revealed His character. First, we see His unconditional love in dying for those who sinned against Him (John 3:16). Second, His righteousness is apparent—only the perfect sacrifice of His own blood could satisfy the penalty for sin. Third, He shows His faithfulness by redeeming us at so great a cost. And fourth, Jesus demonstrates power by conquering sin and death.

In addition to all this, the cross exposed and disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15), who no longer has authority over Christians. Though he can tempt and try followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide believers to victory.

One last benefit of God’s remarkable plan is that we are eternally secure because of the price Jesus paid. That gives us hope and confidence about our future.

Though the cross seems absurd to those who don’t understand, God’s children know it is the Father’s wise design. We have assurance for today and security for tomorrow only because of this amazing event that occurred over 2000 years ago. We have no need to fear, but every reason to hope.

Daily Devotion Reading of Our Daily Bread 27March2010 - Loving God

I will try and do this on a daily basis if time permits, let me know what you think this reading.

The Ten Commandments

Two great messages from Dr. Charles Stanley in regards to The Ten Commandments{look for messages March 29 and March 30} (go here to listen to the messages and you can download them via iTunes)

Great Message from Dr. Charles Stanley

if you wish to truly learn about God's grace Dr. Stanley breaks it down (as he usually does in his message, "A Second Chance Now". To me Dr. Stanley has the gift  of sharing God's word in a way that makes you stop what you're doing and listen.

Don't Call It A Comeback (Blogger Style)

I've been a Blogger fan since I first began blogging back in 2006 and I know when it came to templates and backgrounds that Blogger has been kinda, you know, bland. But it was a great starter blogging platform and to be honest I have learned so much when it comes to cutting and pasting code for widgets, how to resize them, how to mess around with HTML (just a little) and to honest it's been kinda fun.

Wordpress for me on the other hand has been...work. Don't get me wrong, WP is a very powerful blogging platform and millions use WP and I have to admit I have a WP account but I could never leave Blogger.

Over the years I come across so many cool templates for Blogger and I have learned through trial and error on how to change the themes. Some days it would get the best of me but what it taught me was to walk away for a couple of hours, get my thoughts clear and come back fresh and the solution was staring me right in the face. Yes, Blogger has been like pal through thick and thin in blogging world.

Getting back to the templates and themes. If anyone has worked with Blogger their themes has been really limited and that is why other bloggers moved on to other platforms because of this and for many, they outgrew Blogger but for me I had a feeling that one day they would bounce back with some cool features. The past couple of years Google is doing some really cool things with Blogger and this latest addition has me turning cartwheels...well not "physically" turning cartwheels, but I could I would.

ShoutMeLoud {http://www.shoutmeloud.com/} is a very cool site where they keep you abreast on the latest blogging tools in regards to many of the blogging platforms so imagining my surprise coming across a post where blogger now has a feature called "Draft Blogger Template"{http://tinyurl.com/yzcutop} maker option and it is so sweet.(If you have been a long time Blogger user go into your Dashboard setting and check the box that says, "Make Blogger in Draft my default dashboard" The themes are still kind limited but two things I really like is the background features and now you choose the Body Layout, Foot Layout and if you need to adjust the width of your Blog it gives you that option. (I believe they give you that option now do to so many computer owners have wide screen monitors).

Another reason why I think this is very cool is the fact when it came to using other templates and themes some of the themes that I would use from an outside source limited me in regards to changing the fonts and sometimes for me something that small would be a "deal breaker" for me. Another small thing is that by sometimes using an outside theme you lost the ability to make a new post on the fly (this feature is in the upper right hand corner). Now with this new feature of themes I have the best of both worlds again.

Now I'm not shooting down the templates and themes that are still being created because I love them and again Blogger has taught me so much when it comes to not only blogging but setting up my blog just right. But it's really cool that Google has finally realize that in order to keep people using your products sometimes you have to listen to your audience. Sometimes the ideas do not take off but on this one I know I'm staying with Blogger for a very long time now.

Lovin' what you're doing Blogger Google, keep up the great work. :-)

Two of my Blogger Blogs that I have switched to using their (Blogger) backgrounds

Theology & Technology
ThisWorldMyLife

Great Messages Worth More Than Gold

Funny how things come back around the same time each year. Last year I was out of work and I heard 10 powerful messages from Dr. Charles Stanley (along with listening to Zig Ziglar) that changed how I approach employment and I ended up finding a job and remember, this is when finding a job was at it's lowest point.

Now here it is again and I think it's time for me to move on to another job because of so many things and these messages is an on time word for me so I wish to pass the messages along so from now until Feb 20 2011 you can head to the links below and get these treasures. These messages helped in regards to how to look at life, how to be real with myself and how get a deeper love and trust in God. To me these are truly worth more than gold and silver.

Be Blessed

~DarrenKeith

password: godsbest

http://drop.io/reachingyourfullpotentialvol1

http://drop.io/reachingyourfullpotentialvol2

http://drop.io/reachingyourfullpotentialvol3



http://drop.io/fullpotentialvol4

Recast Podcast: 2009 December InspirationSounds:GRAMMY Nominee Edition

***As you know this Sunday on CBS the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards are going to be showcased so I'm recasting this podcast in regards to some of the Gospel and Christian artists that are nominated. BIG Shout Out going to Fave(from the Friday Favecast Podcast Show), Liz (Calinative...one of the smartest women around in the world of social media) and so many other community bloggers that will be there seeing, rubbing elbows with the artists and given you and I the scoop of the events that are taken place there.***

Reflection's on Today's Devotion

Today's Devotion: A Mutual Friend
Today's Passage: John 15:9-17

My wife sometime feels social networks like Facebook, Craig's List, Twitter are bad things but I say to her time and time again, "The social networks on the web are just like anything else, it's who hands it's in and how they are using them, that's the problem. Although a couple of years ago with the misuse of MySpace by a mother who pretended to make friends with a young girl and then tear her down resulted in the suicide of the young lady was a terrible thing again falls into the category of "the user" and not the site.

How did this tie in to my reflection for this devotion? Easy...connections

Many people feel that with today's technology with the World Wide Web (I know, I'm ol' school) people feel we are more in front of the computer than connecting with "real" people. Sometimes that can happen but what I have grown to learn is that by connecting with people from different places in the US and around the world via Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks I have now made connection with people that I would have never met and that is a very cool thing. Once I begin traveling I have connection from New York to California. These people can not only tell me and my wife where to go but also places to avoid.

True, you have to careful of who you meet on the web because there are scammers but for me what makes it so different is this, putting Christ Jesus first.

When you put Christ first in your life, study his Word, follow the Holy Spirit, He places people in your life with your same love of Him and love of life and the most important characteristic, people who loves themselves. When you connect with a person who loves themselves they treat you the way they wish to be treated. They are patient with you, they do not pass judgement. Is this person perfect? Of course not because we all have shortcomings but you look pass that because that is how friendships grow.

And look around now, many Christian organization are using these wonderful social networks because they are now realizing that you have to connect with young people a whole new way because this is where they are, on the web. We have to go where they are and when they see the older generation is trying to reach out to them and not writing them off and being negative of this new way of communication they will not only connect with their my generation but will connect with their peers showing them that people that are Followers of Christ are truly genuine people because trust me, the youth want to connect with people that are real, not perfect.

What Christ Jesus also tells you is who not to encounter because again Christ will never put His children in harms way as long as you obey the Holy Spirit and know Christ because one thing I have learned now that I'm older is that many times you lead not by your heart because feelings can sometime get you into trouble but I do know that when you turn your heart over to God's Son he gives you a heart of gold but wisdom for the streets so you will not fall into the pitfalls of life. You may pass through tough times because we live in a fallen world but Christ gives you the strength, the knowledge to get through tough times and tough situations.

When you connect with Christ Jesus with all your heart He connects you with people that are good to you and good for you.

photo: J.schobre
InterfaceLIFT.com

Reflection of Today's Devotion

Today's Devotion: "Never Satisfied But Always Content"
Today's Passage: "Philippians 3:7-14"

"Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,  I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
~Philippians 3:13(b)-14

The entire passage is on point for me today but the part of the passage above really jumped out at me because I have a hard time doing this in my life. When I stumble in life sometimes I have to realize this is going to happen as long as I keep living and just learn from my mistakes and move on and when I have great accomplishments I tend at times to rest on them instead of being grateful and happy in the moment and learn from that moment and continue on because sometimes what worked today may not have the same results tomorrow.

It's funny how we want a balance life but two things we do not practice on a daily basis being a Follower of Christ Jesus: first, read, study the word of God. (This part I'm really speaking to myself the loudest); second, we must learn to put our priorities in perspective. There is nothing wrong with doing your best, but when hang everything on that, trust me it's never enough...you will always want more. We should be happy when we accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle but we can't rest on that moment and think, "I've done it all".

Why do I slip back in that frame of mind time and time again. I know from the past that when I do all that I can and let God do all that I can't that I have best day physically, mental, spiritually because I know I put the most important thing first: knowing Christ. When doing that you learn how to love yourself and the people in your life, to have patience, you learn to avoid the pitfalls of life, to receive love, constructive criticism, what to tolerate and what not to tolerate. It's really true, the Bible is the greatest instruction book for your life.

We have to balance in our lives. I've said this so many times, God is not our "Genie in the bottle", in order for God to give us the best we must trust Him with everything and that means being obedient, doing what we need to do ourselves while at the same time knowing where our strength comes from and where our wisdom lies because when we try and do everything on our own it will not work and at the same time when we just set back and do nothing our lives will be filled with regret.

With a balance life comes a fulfilled life.

photo: The Real7
InterfaceLIFT.com

Reflections From Today's Devotion

Today's Devotion: It Is My Business
Today's Passage: Leviticus 19:11-18

Sometimes devotions and passages when reading them do not register with me until later in a "ah-ha" moment; and then there are others that hit me right square in the face...this devotion is the latter. I'm not going to lie, what's going on in Haiti is terrible, the injured, the death, the loss of homes but it's one of these moments where I'm asking God, "why do I feel really bad about this tragedy?" and then it hits me and I know why.

Living in Florida was an eye-opening experience for me because of the many cultures and what I found out is that when living in the Midwest we as African-Americans encounter hatred toward Blacks every day one way or another and according where you live it's subtle or just blatant from White America but to live in a place where not only Whites but other races try to look down upon you kinda through me for a loop. I found out that many Haitians and Africans look down upon African-Americans and that's truly blows my mind at times. When living in Florida many times Haitians would bypass me to give wonderful customer service to a White person and give mediocre service to me. At first I thought this was just someone having a "bad day" but this would happen time and time again. It's sad in a way because in a way this has left a really bad taste with me because on one hand Haitians look down upon African-Americans but when disasters hit come their way we are all "one" and the older I become the more this bothers me.

In a way I can understand sometimes why they would feel this way toward African-Americans. If I lived in another country and when seeing the news and all the images I saw of African-Americans were negative I guess I would feel that way too, I guess their mindset is, "They are so lazy. They (Blacks) do not appreciate what they have in the states." But most Blacks do appreciate what we have every day. I guess the difference between African-Americans and other races is the when we see someone act un-neighborly we just chalk it up say, "That person" and we do not group a race in one barrel where with other races they lump us all together. It's been this way for years and I guess it will continue to be this way until the day I die but still it's hurtful because we as African-Americans are the first to lend a hand to others and many times we still get shunned but we keep going on with our lives, instilling in our children that you work hard for what you want, never give up, and just take one day at a time.

In Florida I met some wonderful people and I can't wait to get back there and touch base with friends I met there but at the same time now I know that in a melting pot you're going to encounter hurt and sometimes it will come at the hands of a culture or race you least expect. So my prayer to God is for my heart not to become harden as I get older but at the same time not to be surprised when dealing with people that look like me try and treat me like dirt. I will ask God to help me work through my feelings and not feel the way that I do because in the end it only hurts my walk with God and reflects on me as a Follower of Christ Jesus.

photo by paul.charles.k
interfaceLIFT.com

Why I'm Diggin' Yahoo! Mail Again

I'm digging Yahoo Mail again for one simple reason...folders. That may not be important to most people and someone has even told me that you can make folders with Gmail but in the end I'm finding myself using Yahoo Mail more and more. I'm not giving up Gmail by a long shot but something about Yahoo! Mail has grown on me again.

One thing I'm realizing is that with folders for me my inbox is looking much better because by me having folders I can move the mail I wish to keep and the rest I can trash and for me that's a cool thing. Gmail has labels and stars you can place by important emails but still for me it's a little overwhelming at times. My GMail account was overtaken by stars and labels at one time so I trashed all of the email to feel like I could breathe again.

Another thing I have begun is forwarding my Gmail email to my Yahoo Mail and I've set up my GMail to delete the email. I may change that in the future with the Gmail settings where it will keep the email and go through once a day and trash what I want I don't need but as for now it's cool be able to get a handle on email for the first time in a very long time.

Now I know Yahoo Mail sometimes places mail in the Spam folder but I'm learning that it's easier to move it from Spam to a folder...at first it would bug me when mail was go into the Spam folder but that was at a time when Spam was really growing and Yahoo introduced a filtering process and it was more miss than hit but it has greatly improved and with spam coming at you like a huge wave I welcome the Spam folder with open arms. Gmail Spam filter works well but with the way this spam is thrown at us it's a wonder many people do not make a new email address every year to combat spam. (let me move on...just mentioning spam makes my head hurts)

It's funny how for me how things come back around and for me now Yahoo Mail I'm loving again. Maybe this year I may invest in Yahoo! Mail Plus so this way I can forward my mail to my Outlook but why should I do that when GMail does it for free but then again for $19.99 annually charge for Yahoo! Mail Plus, I think that's a cool investment. I'm not too crazy with the new design of Yahoo Mail (which gives you the option of switching back to Classic mode which I like) but over all Yahoo! Mail for me is cool for me for now.